Mitigating circumstances in cybercrime: A position paper

Raian Ali, John McAlaney, Shamal Faily, Keith Phalp, Vasilios Katos

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper argues the need for considering mitigating circumstances in cybercrime. Mitigating circumstances are conditions which moderate the culpability of an offender of a committed offence. Our argument is based on several observations. The cyberspace introduces a new family of communication and interaction styles and designs which could facilitate, make available, deceive, and in some cases persuade, a user to commit an offence. User's lack of awareness could be a valid mitigation when using software features introduced without a proper management of change and enough precautionary mechanisms, e.g. warning messages. The cyber behaviour of users may not be necessarily a reflection of their real character and intention. Their irrational and unconscious actions may result from their immersed and prolonged presence in a particular cyber context. Hence, the consideration of the cyberspace design, the "cyber psychological" status of an offender and their inter-relation could form a new family of mitigating circumstances inherent and unique to cybercrime. This paper elaborates on this initial argument from different perspectives including software engineering, cyber psychology, digital forensics, social responsibility and law.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 15th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology, CIT 2015, 14th IEEE International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Communications, IUCC 2015, 13th IEEE International Conference on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure Computing, DASC 2015 and 13th IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Intelligence and Computing, PICom 2015
EditorsLuigi Atzori, Xiaolong Jin, Stephen Jarvis, Lei Liu, Ramon Aguero Calvo, Jia Hu, Geyong Min, Nektarios Georgalas, Yulei Wu
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1972-1976
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781509001545
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Dec 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event15th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology, CIT 2015, 14th IEEE International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Communications, IUCC 2015, 13th IEEE International Conference on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure Computing, DASC 2015 and 13th IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Intelligence and Computing, PICom 2015 - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Duration: 26 Oct 201528 Oct 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings - 15th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology, CIT 2015, 14th IEEE International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Communications, IUCC 2015, 13th IEEE International Conference on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure Computing, DASC 2015 and 13th IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Intelligence and Computing, PICom 2015

Conference

Conference15th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology, CIT 2015, 14th IEEE International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Communications, IUCC 2015, 13th IEEE International Conference on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure Computing, DASC 2015 and 13th IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Intelligence and Computing, PICom 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLiverpool
Period26/10/1528/10/15

Keywords

  • Cybercrime
  • Cyberspace
  • Mitigating circumstances

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